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Brothers of War: The Iron Brigade at Gettysburg
Brothers of War, The Iron Brigade at Gettysburg is a historical novel taking place during the American Civil War. Meticulously researched and winner of several national awards for military history and historical fiction, Brothers of War is based on actual brothers and their squad who fought as members of the famed Iron Brigade, particularly the Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry regiment.
This historical fiction not only puts readers into the middle of the Battle of Gettysburg, but also makes them feel as though they are among the soldiers marching, camping, and fighting in this epic story of the American Civil War.
This historical fiction not only puts readers into the middle of the Battle of Gettysburg, but also makes them feel as though they are among the soldiers marching, camping, and fighting in this epic story of the American Civil War.
432 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2022
11 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 11, 2022
“Brothers of War: The Iron Brigade at Gettysburg,” by Michael Eisenhut, is an award-winning work of historical fiction that is perfect for those who are curious about the American Civil War, but not fond of traditional history books.
Told in rich detail, this drama immerses you in the story from the beginning. The author expertly leads you into the lives of the soldiers, their everyday lives, challenges, hopes, and fears. As you read, you will discover why this book is titled Brothers of War. It’s grounded in fact about real brothers, the Whitlows, who fought in the Iron Brigade, based in Indiana. If you want to experience the realities of the Battle of Gettysburg, this author takes you on a deep dive. You’ll feel as if you’re one of the characters.
I am far from a history buff, but have deep respect and admiration for anyone who can bring history to life like Eisenhut has in this book. Besides the factual data he weaves into the narrative, you are involved in a really good story, and you will wonder how soldiers do what they do and did what they did. The horrors of war are brought close to home. But just remember, you’re only reading about it. Soldiers really live it. These characters are so well-developed that you care what happens to them in the story as you live their ups and downs.
This is an author whose skill and talent you can trust. I like that the personalities aren’t cookie-cutter predictable. There are diverse views on the war, which raises this historical novel to a higher level and makes it fresh and unique. The Brothers find themselves in dire circumstances, and you wonder what their outcome will be. Tension mounts as the chapters go by, and the suspense is real because you know it’s grounded in a war that really happened. There are some moving moments as well.
Overall, this is a well-rounded novel. If history or historical fiction are your go-to genres, you have to treat yourself to the intense but moving “Brothers of War: The Iron Brigade at Gettysburg,” by Michael Eisenhut.
Told in rich detail, this drama immerses you in the story from the beginning. The author expertly leads you into the lives of the soldiers, their everyday lives, challenges, hopes, and fears. As you read, you will discover why this book is titled Brothers of War. It’s grounded in fact about real brothers, the Whitlows, who fought in the Iron Brigade, based in Indiana. If you want to experience the realities of the Battle of Gettysburg, this author takes you on a deep dive. You’ll feel as if you’re one of the characters.
I am far from a history buff, but have deep respect and admiration for anyone who can bring history to life like Eisenhut has in this book. Besides the factual data he weaves into the narrative, you are involved in a really good story, and you will wonder how soldiers do what they do and did what they did. The horrors of war are brought close to home. But just remember, you’re only reading about it. Soldiers really live it. These characters are so well-developed that you care what happens to them in the story as you live their ups and downs.
This is an author whose skill and talent you can trust. I like that the personalities aren’t cookie-cutter predictable. There are diverse views on the war, which raises this historical novel to a higher level and makes it fresh and unique. The Brothers find themselves in dire circumstances, and you wonder what their outcome will be. Tension mounts as the chapters go by, and the suspense is real because you know it’s grounded in a war that really happened. There are some moving moments as well.
Overall, this is a well-rounded novel. If history or historical fiction are your go-to genres, you have to treat yourself to the intense but moving “Brothers of War: The Iron Brigade at Gettysburg,” by Michael Eisenhut.
January 5, 2025
Eisenhut's "Brothers of War" is told from the viewpoint of a few common soldiers who were members of the 19th Indiana Volunteers (a regiment of the famous Iron Brigade) and the ordeals that they faced at Gettysburg. The 19th Indiana suffered over 69% casualties (killed, wounded, missing, and captured) at the battle, an astonishing figure.
Many of the characters are based on historical figures, both known and unknown. You get to know the background of the main characters through some flashbacks. The book is very well researched and the various personalities seem quite realistic.
Eisenhut details the horrors of warfare that the average soldiers had to face both before, during and after the battle-such as the fears they faced (fear of the battle and fear of cowardice), having to face another human in close combat, and the terrible despair of being wounded and being left for many hours trying to crawl to safety, fending for yourself with little or no help, and then facing the medical attentions of the time. Or dying of your wounds alone on the battlefield.
The author gives excellent descriptions of how warfare must have been like in the Civil War, and the book has some of the most graphic depictions of warfare that I have ever read. The final chapter gives a "years after" story that is very compelling and bittersweet. After the novel, he mentions some of the books that he used for research, which I will certainly check into.
A very fine and well-done novel. A must for Civil War buffs like myself.
Many of the characters are based on historical figures, both known and unknown. You get to know the background of the main characters through some flashbacks. The book is very well researched and the various personalities seem quite realistic.
Eisenhut details the horrors of warfare that the average soldiers had to face both before, during and after the battle-such as the fears they faced (fear of the battle and fear of cowardice), having to face another human in close combat, and the terrible despair of being wounded and being left for many hours trying to crawl to safety, fending for yourself with little or no help, and then facing the medical attentions of the time. Or dying of your wounds alone on the battlefield.
The author gives excellent descriptions of how warfare must have been like in the Civil War, and the book has some of the most graphic depictions of warfare that I have ever read. The final chapter gives a "years after" story that is very compelling and bittersweet. After the novel, he mentions some of the books that he used for research, which I will certainly check into.
A very fine and well-done novel. A must for Civil War buffs like myself.
January 24, 2022
Although I love a good WWII novel, I've never delved into the Civil War with the same enthusiasm. Eisenhut's debut novel just changed that for me. I couldn't put this book down! I became so invested in the characters (some of which are real and others fictional) that each time I had to take a break from reading, I missed them and felt worried about their well-being. A historical novel, especially one that throws you into the bloodshed at Gettysburg, is not expected to end with roses and butterflies. Nonetheless, the ending could not have been more beautiful. I hope to see more from this author in the future!
May 4, 2022
Mike, I met you last Saturday at the ABC in G-Burg. Bought your book that night and just finished it.
Wow! Thank you so much for the experience.
Wow! Thank you so much for the experience.
October 5, 2021
Best Damn Civil War Accounting!
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2021
James, Solomon, Elijah, Hawk and others make up the men of this often forgotten and untaught piece of our national history. I was so caught up in this book that I forgot where I was while blinking away tears of sorrow and frustration. I was thrust into a recollection of the battel of "the war between the states" feeling the gun shots, the cannon fire, smelling the gun smoke and the dead, oh my that really through me off my game. I sat and read a hardback smelled the pages and appreciated what Mr. Eisenhut taught me again what it was like to hold a book in my hand again and to read my favorite subject, HISTORY!
This novel could easily be used as a teaching tool in history classes all over the United States, it is that accurate. Readers will be caught up in the telling of what happened at Gettysburg and places along the way. This is not a delightful book. It is a book of power, sorrow, anger and madness in a war that happened... but never should have. I recommend this book for Young Men, Old Men and any other person who wants to have the historical experience of a lifetime. The ending is as huge surprise. Loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2021
James, Solomon, Elijah, Hawk and others make up the men of this often forgotten and untaught piece of our national history. I was so caught up in this book that I forgot where I was while blinking away tears of sorrow and frustration. I was thrust into a recollection of the battel of "the war between the states" feeling the gun shots, the cannon fire, smelling the gun smoke and the dead, oh my that really through me off my game. I sat and read a hardback smelled the pages and appreciated what Mr. Eisenhut taught me again what it was like to hold a book in my hand again and to read my favorite subject, HISTORY!
This novel could easily be used as a teaching tool in history classes all over the United States, it is that accurate. Readers will be caught up in the telling of what happened at Gettysburg and places along the way. This is not a delightful book. It is a book of power, sorrow, anger and madness in a war that happened... but never should have. I recommend this book for Young Men, Old Men and any other person who wants to have the historical experience of a lifetime. The ending is as huge surprise. Loved it!
November 1, 2021
The characters are described so well that you come to know them as friends. You will mourn at their losses and revel in their victories. We've all heard of the Gettysburg of Pickens Charge and the army without Stone Wall Jackson however, "Brothers of War" gives us an in depth view of the soldier in the trenches. Just when you had it with the brutality of war, Michael Eisenhut gives us an ending that leaves us in a better place.
Janet Benton
Janet Benton
July 20, 2022
The Iron Brigade (also known as the Black Hats because they wore the hats of the US Regulars) in the Union Army of the Potomac initially consisted of the 2nd, 6th, 7th Wisconsin Infantry and the 19th Indiana Infantry. Battery B, 4th US Artillery was attached to the brigade. The brigade after severe losses at Antietam was brought up to strength by the 24th Michigan Infantry.
The brigade earned its nickname at Turner’s Gap during the Battle of South Mountain where it was said the men stood like iron in a vicious firefight. The name stuck and the brigade re-earned their nickname in each engagement it was involved.
The Iron Brigade was part of the 1st Division of the 1st Corps in the Army of the Potomac during the Battle of Gettysburg which began on July 1st, 1863 and among the first Union Infantry to arrive on the scene.
Michael Eisenhut’s, Brothers of War-The Iron Brigade at Gettysburg (a historical novel) is, as it states on the book cover, an epic Civil War story of individual soldiers, courage, and brotherhood.
I would agree with that assessment. The book features “a Civil War squad” which by the time of Gettysburg consisted of 4 close friends, Hawk, Henry and two brothers by the names of James and Solomon, “Sol” for short. They serve in Company B of the 19th Indiana. The 19th is populated by historical characters as well as “made up” characters to flesh out the story that leads to the devastation that the 19th Indiana and the rest of the Iron Brigade suffered on the first day of Gettysburg.
As an amateur Civil War historian, myself and a Wisconsin resident who has read extensively about the Iron Brigade, I would not hesitate to say that the first day of Gettysburg essentially wrecked the brigade and it was never quite the same after that.
Eisenhut makes that clear from the 19th Indiana’s point-of-view, noting that the regiment brought 308 officers and men to Gettysburg and suffered 210 casualties, a loss over 68 percent. Of the thirty-two men in company B who started on the morning on July 1st, only five remained with the regiment when they reached Culp’s Hill that evening. The Wisconsin and Michigan regiments suffered similar losses at Gettysburg.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Eisenhut in his first novel, makes you care about the main characters of Hawk, Henry, James, and Sol. You witness the camaraderie, the brotherhood of soldiers, the griping about the army (timeless), the joking, the marching, the camping and eventually the utter brutality of war as well as how the main characters react to the carnage. If you’ve studied the Civil War and its armies, I think you would agree that Eisenhut gets it right.
At one point in the battle two of the main characters go for water in the “run” where much of the action took place. At the same time, a young Confederate soldier is also getting water. They look up at each other and simply go about their business in getting water too exhausted to care they are enemies. Musket fire erupts a slight distance away and again they look at each other as if to say, “not our fight, not now.” The rebel soldier fills his canteen and backs away from the stream and one of the Union soldier’s comments on the soldier’s youth and says, they are just like us.
Civil War armies fought at close quarters even though the weaponry of the period could kill at much longer ranges than earlier “musket period” wars. Nevertheless, the soldiers rarely got close enough to recognize that they were indeed, just like themselves, young and amid a terrible war.
Suffice it to say I don’t want to include any spoilers so all I can say is the book is a page turner as you learn to care about the characters and wonder as to their fate at Gettysburg. As someone familiar with the Iron Brigade at Gettysburg I wondered from the start who would survive and who would not.
Eisenhut drew his initial inspiration for the book from visiting the Union Cemetery in Gettysburg and noting a name on a grave. This prompted him (a resident of Indiana) to research the 19th Indiana more deeply and enabled him to write a story of individual soldiers, incredible courage, and the brotherhood of war.
The brigade earned its nickname at Turner’s Gap during the Battle of South Mountain where it was said the men stood like iron in a vicious firefight. The name stuck and the brigade re-earned their nickname in each engagement it was involved.
The Iron Brigade was part of the 1st Division of the 1st Corps in the Army of the Potomac during the Battle of Gettysburg which began on July 1st, 1863 and among the first Union Infantry to arrive on the scene.
Michael Eisenhut’s, Brothers of War-The Iron Brigade at Gettysburg (a historical novel) is, as it states on the book cover, an epic Civil War story of individual soldiers, courage, and brotherhood.
I would agree with that assessment. The book features “a Civil War squad” which by the time of Gettysburg consisted of 4 close friends, Hawk, Henry and two brothers by the names of James and Solomon, “Sol” for short. They serve in Company B of the 19th Indiana. The 19th is populated by historical characters as well as “made up” characters to flesh out the story that leads to the devastation that the 19th Indiana and the rest of the Iron Brigade suffered on the first day of Gettysburg.
As an amateur Civil War historian, myself and a Wisconsin resident who has read extensively about the Iron Brigade, I would not hesitate to say that the first day of Gettysburg essentially wrecked the brigade and it was never quite the same after that.
Eisenhut makes that clear from the 19th Indiana’s point-of-view, noting that the regiment brought 308 officers and men to Gettysburg and suffered 210 casualties, a loss over 68 percent. Of the thirty-two men in company B who started on the morning on July 1st, only five remained with the regiment when they reached Culp’s Hill that evening. The Wisconsin and Michigan regiments suffered similar losses at Gettysburg.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Eisenhut in his first novel, makes you care about the main characters of Hawk, Henry, James, and Sol. You witness the camaraderie, the brotherhood of soldiers, the griping about the army (timeless), the joking, the marching, the camping and eventually the utter brutality of war as well as how the main characters react to the carnage. If you’ve studied the Civil War and its armies, I think you would agree that Eisenhut gets it right.
At one point in the battle two of the main characters go for water in the “run” where much of the action took place. At the same time, a young Confederate soldier is also getting water. They look up at each other and simply go about their business in getting water too exhausted to care they are enemies. Musket fire erupts a slight distance away and again they look at each other as if to say, “not our fight, not now.” The rebel soldier fills his canteen and backs away from the stream and one of the Union soldier’s comments on the soldier’s youth and says, they are just like us.
Civil War armies fought at close quarters even though the weaponry of the period could kill at much longer ranges than earlier “musket period” wars. Nevertheless, the soldiers rarely got close enough to recognize that they were indeed, just like themselves, young and amid a terrible war.
Suffice it to say I don’t want to include any spoilers so all I can say is the book is a page turner as you learn to care about the characters and wonder as to their fate at Gettysburg. As someone familiar with the Iron Brigade at Gettysburg I wondered from the start who would survive and who would not.
Eisenhut drew his initial inspiration for the book from visiting the Union Cemetery in Gettysburg and noting a name on a grave. This prompted him (a resident of Indiana) to research the 19th Indiana more deeply and enabled him to write a story of individual soldiers, incredible courage, and the brotherhood of war.
July 6, 2022
Pretty well done. Timely, too.
I am not one to go out of my way and write out a review but felt I should take that time with this one.
While leading officers take the spotlight when one thinks of Gettysburg (the same goes for certain units), Mr. Eisenhut takes one famous unit, the Iron Brigade, and centers our attention on the fighting men: Privates, Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Majors. Those in the midst of swirling lead, cannon shot, smoke, and heat. He is assisted by the stories of three real-life brothers who served in the Iron Brigade, then further aided by those of his own creation. While I pride myself in knowing much about Gettysburg, I am pleased to end this book by learning more about a portion of the Iron Brigade and more of the actions and movements of the first day of the battle.
I will say that the first handful of chapters does run slowly when compared to the battle chapters. At times I felt as if it was dragging. While one might note that Eisenhut's intent with these chapters could have been shortened, in hindsight I see what he is doing. We have a buildup of the overlooked portion of the campaign (the hard marching from Chancellorsville to Gettysburg) and time to know the characters (real and fiction) before they charge into battle. We see many layers and elements of the title "Brothers of War" maturing to see the stage for conflict and reunion (of the singular unit in focus).
The battle chapters run swift and this reader felt figuratively lost as these soldiers must have felt as the smoke of war, the screams, the sound of battle, and adrenaline take over, creating a storm and forming a sense of blindness. The brutality of war is done well enough with Eisenhut's words to have one or should have one, sit back and ponder the excitement of war and glory and music of battle as portrayed in films. It is sobering.
As a scholar of Civil War memory (including emotions and the senses), having a concluding chapter highlighting reunion, monuments, and memory was delightful. It can allow one, if willing, to try to grasp how the men themselves experienced returning to sites of battle and death and commemorate it on their terms as best as can be done in historic fiction. Leaves me with something to mull over and take time to analyze as I consider my own work on the experience of memory and commemoration.
I enjoyed reading this during the 159th anniversary of Gettysburg. I wonder if Mr. Eisenhut will do more. Maybe some pre-Gettysburg works on the same unit and men.
I am not one to go out of my way and write out a review but felt I should take that time with this one.
While leading officers take the spotlight when one thinks of Gettysburg (the same goes for certain units), Mr. Eisenhut takes one famous unit, the Iron Brigade, and centers our attention on the fighting men: Privates, Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Majors. Those in the midst of swirling lead, cannon shot, smoke, and heat. He is assisted by the stories of three real-life brothers who served in the Iron Brigade, then further aided by those of his own creation. While I pride myself in knowing much about Gettysburg, I am pleased to end this book by learning more about a portion of the Iron Brigade and more of the actions and movements of the first day of the battle.
I will say that the first handful of chapters does run slowly when compared to the battle chapters. At times I felt as if it was dragging. While one might note that Eisenhut's intent with these chapters could have been shortened, in hindsight I see what he is doing. We have a buildup of the overlooked portion of the campaign (the hard marching from Chancellorsville to Gettysburg) and time to know the characters (real and fiction) before they charge into battle. We see many layers and elements of the title "Brothers of War" maturing to see the stage for conflict and reunion (of the singular unit in focus).
The battle chapters run swift and this reader felt figuratively lost as these soldiers must have felt as the smoke of war, the screams, the sound of battle, and adrenaline take over, creating a storm and forming a sense of blindness. The brutality of war is done well enough with Eisenhut's words to have one or should have one, sit back and ponder the excitement of war and glory and music of battle as portrayed in films. It is sobering.
As a scholar of Civil War memory (including emotions and the senses), having a concluding chapter highlighting reunion, monuments, and memory was delightful. It can allow one, if willing, to try to grasp how the men themselves experienced returning to sites of battle and death and commemorate it on their terms as best as can be done in historic fiction. Leaves me with something to mull over and take time to analyze as I consider my own work on the experience of memory and commemoration.
I enjoyed reading this during the 159th anniversary of Gettysburg. I wonder if Mr. Eisenhut will do more. Maybe some pre-Gettysburg works on the same unit and men.
May 3, 2023
I gave this book five stars as it was a very good read; one that got better and more interesting as you continued to read it. At first I wasn't all into it, but as a huge Civil War reader, I thought it was worth hanging on, to see what happened in this "Fiction" story, that was actually based on some very real events. "Brothers of War" in the end held a double meaning...not only was it about three Brothers who were fighting for the Union, but it was also a display that we can still be Brothers with those we have fought with; i.e. the Union and Confederate Army's did become brothers shortly after the war because most of them realized how important it is to get past bad things for the better of mankind.
June 19, 2023
What a great book! Following the Whitlow brothers through the Battle of Gettysburg with the famous Iron Brigade, this book really puts you in their shoes. You care about the characters and to me that is the most important part in a story. Eisenhut's research was spot on and he brings the brutality of that battle to life. I highly recommend this book to both those interested in the battle and to those who are looking for a good character driven story. You really get to know the members of the squad and care for them. Definitely put this book on you TBR! This book has heart!
July 30, 2025
This was an excellent book with a story line the lets you feel the results of war and suffering. Historically on the mark and a believable story. Which by design by the author because of direct connection to the "real" people" in the narrative. If you have, or do visit, Gettysburg is a real experience of what these soldiers were exposed too. Just think this was just a small portion of the battlefield. Well done..........
July 9, 2021
A really well done historical fiction. The author brings the men of the 19th Indiana to life and remains true to the history of their service at Gettysburg and in the Civil War. This book is suitable for everyone from a casual reader to a Civil War buff. The character development is enthralling and I found myself unable to put the book down.
August 19, 2021
You are one of the men along side this brigade living and feeling each moment, march, and the intense fighting that takes place in Gettysburg. The research of historical facts along with exceptional writing puts the reader in the moment with every page read. You will be feeling the marches and dodging bullets like I was. Truly a great read.
February 6, 2022
Brothers of War is a fascinating sort of book. In a nutshell, it’s the story of three brothers, two of which find themselves fighting in the 19th Indiana–also known as the Black Hat Brigade or Iron Brigade–during the Civil War, specifically surrounding the battle of Gettysburg.
Full review: https://blog.jverkamp.com/2022/02/03/...
Full review: https://blog.jverkamp.com/2022/02/03/...
January 23, 2023
The Civil War is not an area of history that I have explored a great deal. Mr Eisenhut really brings it alive! The battle scenes and the aftermath were hard to read and very hard to know that this is what actually happened. His writing style is engaging and I can’t wait to see what else he writes!
December 27, 2024
I purchased this book over a year ago and finally got a chance to read it. I’m sorry I waited so long. If you have any interest in the civil war this book is for you. It is:
Inspirational, tragic, easy-to-read, action-packed, realistic, haunting and a page-turner.
Inspirational, tragic, easy-to-read, action-packed, realistic, haunting and a page-turner.
November 3, 2021
Awesome Read
This book brought the war to life. I had read many books on Gettysburg and this book tied everything together.
This book brought the war to life. I had read many books on Gettysburg and this book tied everything together.
February 23, 2022
Fantastic Civil War historical fiction book. I really enjoyed the story and the characters.
July 2, 2025
Not my typical read
January 27, 2022
Enjoyed reading about the harrowing adventures of the 19th Indiana regimented
March 1, 2022
Loved reading about the 19th Indiana and a different prospective on the men who served in the famed Iron Brigade of the West
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews